Does anyone else have this problem?
I seem to have times where the ideas just come in an instant and I can work on a project from conception to completion in no time flat. More often than not it is also during these times that I do some of my best work. I guess its the equivalent of being “in the zone”. But there are also times where I just can’t get a start or find that next thing that is going to spark me into creating something new.
It can be somewhat frustrating when I want to create something new but the inspiration just isn’t coming. Sometimes during these times it feels like the more I try, the less likely it is that I will produce something that I will be satisfied with.
I’m interested to know what other people do when they hit the creative wall.
Elaine van Dyk, about 1 year ago
Visit galleries and look at other people’s work, or read books. Break the pattern for a while.
Amanda J Slack..., about 1 year ago
I think this is natural, especially if this boom or bust method is habitual. I have learnt to leave some work unfinished so that when I hit this issue I have a simple task to finish and it gets me going again. A diary with a collection of stray thoughts and articles also helps me out as well. Sometimes though, especially if there are other major stresses in your life, I think you have to treat yourself gently and wait the lull through. Best of luck with it.
Amanda J Slack..., about 1 year ago
Also trust in your creative energies that it is only a temporary state and don’t beat up on yourself. Making yourself feel bad doesn’t help at all.
webgrrl, about 1 year ago
have a spliff :)
MiMiDesigns, about 1 year ago
This sounds like a totally natural state to me. I treat tedious tasks like washing up or cleaning the bathroom as times to tune in to creative ideas. Then I have heaps of images whirling around in my head waiting to get out when I finally have time to do some work. And if I run out of steam when I’m working I use it as a great excuse to go to the beach. Or I clean up the studio and find a scribble I did six months ago which is enough to spark me off again.
Stephen Colquitt, about 1 year ago
My creative thinking usually starts in the shower. Dont waste water or anything but a little attention to creative cleanliness may assist you too?
MiMiDesigns, about 1 year ago
I worry too much about wasting water to dwell on creativity in the shower. But walking the dog, lying in bed trying to remember your dreams and bedroom sports are all good ways of detaching the left brain.